Marine Biology 2007

genetics cell and cycle questions

2007-11-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

1. What is DNA? -->the Blueprint of Life, DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
2. What are the 4 bases? -->A, T, C, and G. A stands for Adenine, T for Thymine, C for Cytosine and G for Guanine.
3. What 2 peices of information did the scientists need to solve the elusive structure of DNA?-->They needed to know that the phosphate backbone was on the outside with bases on the inside; another that the molecule was a double helix.
4. What are the specific base pairs? -->Adenine & Thymine. Guanine and Cytosine.
5. How does the pairing rule effect the shape and structure of DNA? -->When the bases are paired, each rung of the twisted ladder in the helix would be of equal length, and the sugar-phosphate backbone would be smooth.
6. What does the DNA do during cell division? -->During cell division, the DNA molecule is able to "unzip" into two pieces. One new molecule is formed from each half-ladder, and due to the specific pairing this gives rise to two identical daughter copies from each parent molecule. 7. How many base pairs does E. Coli have? How long does it take to replicate? How is the DNA packaged in the cell? -->It is made up of 4 million base pairs and could divide into two cells once every 20 minutes. In order to fit into the cell, it is curled up in a condensed fashion. 8. How many base pairs does Human DNA have? How long does it take to replicate? How is the DNA packaged in the cell?-->It makes 3 billion pairs in about 12 - 24 hours. It is packaged in 23 distinct chromosome pairs.*****
1. What is RNA? How different is it from DNA?
-->the Blueprint Copy, RiboNucleic Acid. Unlike the double stranded DNA, RNA is only made up of a single strand.
2. How are the RNA messages formed?
-->Codons, (three letters from the RNA molecule grouped together) are placed after each other in the RNA molecule to construct a message.
3. How are the RNA messages interpreted?
-->Every RNA word, corresponds to one single amino acid. These codons and their correlation with the amino acids in a protein sequence is what defines the genetic code.
*****
1. Describe the cell cycle.
--> The cell cycle is the orderly sequence of events that occurs from the time a cell divides to form two daughter cells to the time those daughter cells divide again.
2. What is nuclear division.
--> The division of the nucleus and genetic information into more than one cell from a parent cell, usually through mitosis or meiosis.
3. What is interphase.
--> When the cell or nucleus is not in mitosis.
4. Cytokinesis.
--> The cytoplasm divides and two identical daughter cells come forth.
5. Homologous chromosomes.
--> A pair of similar but not identical chromosomes identified as paternal and maternal.
6. Phases of mitosis (5 of them).
--> Interphase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis
7. Phases of meiosis and how it is different from mitosis.
--> Early prophase, Late prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Second Telophase. Meiosis starts out the same as mitosis, but then it splits again after the first cytokinesis to form more chromosome.8. Describe the process and purpose of crossing over.--> Crossing over occurs when the sperm and egg chromosomes pair up and swap genetic information, reducing the number of chromosomes to a complete set. It is important because it makes the number of chromosomes the normal number and also allows the genetic information to remain present in the cell.

"Fish Game"

2007-10-23T00:34:00.001-07:00

"Invertebrate Assignment"

2007-10-22T23:02:00.000-07:00

"WhAt is OcToPus" -Octopus is a cephalopod order of octopodes that is inhabit through many diverse regions of the ocean, most especially on coral reefs. The term octopoda may refer to only those creatures in the genus Octopus. There are 289 different octopus specis, which is one third of the genrally known number of a cephalopod species.

"The Scientific Classification of an Octopus" -

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Cephalopoda
Subclass: Coleoidea
Superorder: Octopodiformes
Order: Octopoda (Leach, 1818)

"Virtual Dissection"

2007-10-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

"Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration"

2007-09-30T17:34:00.000-07:00

This equation is essentially the opposite of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a building process, while respiration is a breaking-down process.

Photosynthesis produces food, stores energy, uses water and carbon dioxide, releases oxygen, and it usually occurs in sunlight. Whereas on the other hand, respiration uses food, releases energy, produces food and carbon dioxide, uses oxygen, and occurs both during night and light.

Forum Chapter 14

2007-09-27T18:13:00.000-07:00

Critical Thinkign Questions Chapter 14 (Page 323)

Quetion #3. There are only a few reefs off the northeast coast of Brazil (see map in Fig. 14-11), even though it lies in the tropics. How would you explain this?

According to the text book corals can grow only in shallow water, where light can penetrate because the zooxanthellae on which they depend need light. Calcareous algae require sunlight as well. Particular types of corals and algae have different depths limits. Some can live in deep water and others can't. In addition, the book indicates that there are many corals that live in deep water and does not need sunlight, because they do not contain zooxanthellae or bulid massive reef structures.

Thereforth, to answer the question, the northeast coast of Brazil illustrated on Fig. 14-11 page 304 indicates that although Brazil lies in the tropics, the water temperature does not coincide with the climate of the tropics. Leaving Brazil with a few corals due to less light penetration and water temperature ratings.

Forums

2007-09-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Critical Thinking Question for Chapter 7 (Page 152)

Question #1. If bilateral symmetry were to evolve among cnidarians, in which group or groups would you expect it to occur? Why?

From reading the book, I will determine that a bilateral symmetry would evolve in a group of symmetrical worms. From the understanding of the book a biliteral symmetry is the arrangement of body parts in such a way that there is only one way to cut the body and get two identical halves. Therefore, a good example for a cnidarian group may be a flatworm. Flatworms are bilaterally symmetrical invertebrates typically flattened in appearance. They have true organs and organ systems, including a central nervous system. In addition, flatworms are symmetrical on both sides when cut in half.

Endangered Species of the Marianas

2007-09-26T22:51:00.001-07:00

A species is endangered when it is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future. An animal is considered to be Endangered if it is likely to become extinct due to problems throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Some animals have such low population numbers or their habitats have been so reduced or altered that they are unlikely to survive without considerable assistance. Endangered Species are protected by both state and federal laws. It is not legal to have in your possession any part of such an animal, living or dead, without special permission. Some Endangered Species are of such international importance that they are listed in CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). http://zipcodezoo.com/Animals/endangered.asp

The green sea turtle is one of the many endangered species in the CNMI. With the delicacy of it's living, we as a community should help preserve and protect the green sea turtle. For every green sea turtle that lays 100 eggs only a few survive. Therefore it is listed as an endangered species. A photo of a green sea turtle is visible.

Virtual Lab Reports

2007-09-26T19:04:00.001-07:00

Sour Food Experiment

· Question: What atoms are in sour foods?

· Hypothesis: Foods are sour when they have a highconcentration of loose hydrogen atoms.

· Procedures: Step 1: Make a numbered cup for each food bottle. Step 2: Add 5 drops of each food to itsnumbered cup. Step 3: Add 1 drop of dye to each cup. Step 4: Put cups in order, from high concentration tolow concentration of loose hydrogen atoms.

· Data: Each numbered cup had a different color when the dye was added.
Cup #1 was color green and contained orange juice.
Cup #2 was color dark green and contained milk.
Cup #3 was color light pink and contained lemonjuice.
Cup #4 was color yellow and contained vinegar.
Cup #5 was color blue and contained water.

· Results: Indicating from the most sour to the least sour food. Cup #3 lemonjuice. Followed by Cup #4 vinegar, Cup#1 orange juice, Cup #2 milk, and the last Cup #5 with water.

· Explanation: This hypothese is true. From the indication of the chemistry lab the most sour food which contained the lemon juice had the highest concentration of loose hydrogen atoms. Whereas, the least sour food which contained water, had the lowest concentration of loose hydrogen atoms.

Questions for thoughts

1.) What are acids and bases?· Acids are compounds that include hydrogen and can dissolve in water to release hydrogen ions into solution. Bases are a sodium hydroxide.

2.) What is a molecule?· Molecules are made up of tiny particles that make up everything around us.

3.) Why is pH important in the ocean?· Because it is saturated with an important organic molecule for organisms like corals, crustaceans, and mollusks called calcium carbonate.

4.) What is an ion?· An atom or group of atoms that is electronically charged.

Holes in Bread Experiment

· Hypothesis: I think the holes in bread are formed when dryingredients are mixed with wet ingredients.

· Procedures: Step 1: Add three scoops of yeast to the tube. Step 2: Add three scoops of sugar to the tube. Step 3: Fill the tube with three fourths full with warm water. Step 4: Use a stick to stir the yeast and sugar into the water. Keep stirring until the water is the same color as the yeast. Step 5: Give it some time because the reaction in the tube may take time. Step 6: Shine a flashlight on the side of the tube.

· Data: When the yeast and sugar was mixed with the warm water, the water turned to be the same color as the yeast.

· Results: After the mixture of the yeast and sugar, together with the warm water, there were tiny bubbles streaming up the side of the tube.

· Explanation: Yeast is a living thing that feeds on the sugarmolecules. It breaks the sugar molecules apart into new molecules. The carbondioxide gas molecules make tiny bubbles, which was seen in the tube.

Questions for thoughts

1.) What gas causes the bubbles?· The carbon dioxide gas molecules causes the tiny bubbles.

2.) How was the gas produced?· The feeding of the yeast onto the sugar molecules, created the breaking of the sugar molecules and new molecules, thereofe carbon dioxide gas molecule were produced.

3.) How does CO2 get in the ocean?When there is very little sink. Sink is what scoops up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Therefore without sink, carbon dioxide will continue to get into the ocean.

Plant Cell Anatomy

2007-09-25T01:20:00.001-07:00

Amyloplast - an organelle in some plant cells that stores starch. Amyloplasts are found in starchy plants like tubers and fruits.
ATP - ATP is short for adenosine triphosphate; it is a high-energy molecule used for energy storage by organisms. In plant cells, ATP is produced in the cristae of mitochondria and chloroplasts.
cell membrane - the thin layer of protein and fat that surrounds the cell, but is inside the cell wall. The cell membrane is semipermeable, allowing some substances to pass into the cell and blocking others.
cell wall - a thick, rigid membrane that surrounds a plant cell. This layer of cellulose fiber gives the cell most of its support and structure. The cell wall also bonds with other cell walls to form the structure of the plant.
centrosome - (also called the "microtubule organizing center") a small body located near the nucleus - it has a dense center and radiating tubules. The centrosomes is where microtubules are made. During cell division (mitosis), the centrosome divides and the two parts move to opposite sides of the dividing cell.
chlorophyll - chlorophyll is a molecule that can use light energy from sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide gas into sugar and oxygen (this process is called photosynthesis). Chlorophyll is magnesium based and is usually green.
chloroplast - an elongated or disc-shaped organelle containing chlorophyll. Photosynthesis (in which energy from sunlight is converted into chemical energy - food) takes place in the chloroplasts.
christae - (singular crista) the multiply-folded inner membrane of a cell's mitochondrion that are finger-like projections. The walls of the cristae are the site of the cell's energy production (it is where ATP is generated).
cytoplasm - the jellylike material outside the cell nucleus in which the organelles are located.
Golgi body - (also called the golgi apparatus or golgi complex) a flattened, layered, sac-like organelle that looks like a stack of pancakes and is located near the nucleus. The golgi body packages proteins and carbohydrates into membrane-bound vesicles for "export" from the cell.
granum - (plural grana) A stack of thylakoid disks within the chloroplast is called a granum.
mitochondrion - spherical to rod-shaped organelles with a double membrane. The inner membrane is infolded many times, forming a series of projections (called cristae). The mitochondrion converts the energy stored in glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for the cell.
nuclear membrane - the membrane that surrounds the nucleus.
nucleolus - an organelle within the nucleus - it is where ribosomal RNA is produced.
nucleus - spherical body containing many organelles, including the nucleolus. The nucleus controls many of the functions of the cell (by controlling protein synthesis) and contains DNA (in chromosomes). The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear membrane.
photosynthesis - a process in which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food energy (sugars and starches), oxygen and water. Chlorophyll or closely-related pigments (substances that color the plant) are essential to the photosynthetic process.
ribosome - small organelles composed of RNA-rich cytoplasmic granules that are sites of protein synthesis.
rough endoplasmic reticulum - (rough ER) a vast system of interconnected, membranous, infolded and convoluted sacks that are located in the cell's cytoplasm (the ER is continuous with the outer nuclear membrane). Rough ER is covered with ribosomes that give it a rough appearance. Rough ER transport materials through the cell and produces proteins in sacks called cisternae (which are sent to the Golgi body, or inserted into the cell membrane).
smooth endoplasmic reticulum - (smooth ER) a vast system of interconnected, membranous, infolded and convoluted tubes that are located in the cell's cytoplasm (the ER is continuous with the outer nuclear membrane). The space within the ER is called the ER lumen. Smooth ER transport materials through the cell. It contains enzymes and produces and digests lipids (fats) and membrane proteins; smooth ER buds off from rough ER, moving the newly-made proteins and lipids to the Golgi body and membranesstroma.
stroma - part of the chloroplasts in plant cells, located within the inner membrane of chloroplasts, between the grana.
thylakoid disk - thylakoid disks are disk-shaped membrane structures in chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll. Chloroplasts are made up of stacks of thylakoid disks; a stack of thylakoid disks is called a granum. Photosynthesis (the production of ATP molecules from sunlight) takes place on thylakoid disks.
vacuole - a large, membrane-bound space within a plant cell that is filled with fluid. Most plant cells have a single vacuole that takes up much of the cell. It helps maintain the shape of the cell.

Questions for Thoughts

1.) What is a plant cell?

2.) How many cells make up a plant?

3.) What are the characteristics of each plant cell?

Multiple Intelligence Quiz

2007-09-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

hafa adai ms. bree,
here are the result of my multiple intelligence quiz:

The Seven Intelligence Areas

Linguistic: 2

Logical-Mathermatica: 4

Spatial: 2

Bodily-Kinesthetic: 7

Musical: 1

Interpersonal: 9

Intrapersonal: 4

A Short Definition of your Highest Score

Interperonal- the ability to organize people and to communicate clearly what needs to be done, to use empathy to help to others and to solve problems, to discriminate and interpret among different kinds of interpersonal clues, and to influence and inspire others to work toward a common goal. Possible vocations that use the interpersonal intelligence include administrator, manager, politician, social worker, doctor, nurse, therapist, teacher, socialogist, psychologist, psychotherapist, consultant, charismatic, leader, politician, and evangelist.

currents

2007-09-18T00:30:00.001-07:00

1. Explain how currents contribute to the distribution of marine organisms around the planet.

Throughout the distribution of marine organisms, the currents contribute to the circulating controls of water temperature. Therefore, marine organisms will survive, provided that the water temperature is controlled.

2. The primary factor influencing ocean currents is temperature regulation. What might happen to the ocean currents (and has happened in the past) as global warming increases?
A possibility of another ice age might occur if globally warming continues to increase.

3. Explain how density changes cause currents.Use google image to find a world map. Copy and paste into paint and use the drawing tools to create the currents and label them.
As the water changes its temperature, currents of movement from the water will ascend to the surface.

Pau Pau Beach

2007-09-18T00:29:00.001-07:00

Today will be our fourth meet for marine biology lab and so far I am enjoying all the new adventures and experiences that we've been through. Although swimming was not incorporated for this lab day, we all shared a time of laughter and friendship gathering. Our instructor Ms. Bree briefly explained about the nearby drainage and the cause and effects it dampers to our marine life. Ms. Bree also stated that typhoon debris or heavy rains can pollute the ocean.

To conclude, this day was just one of the many other interesting days that I have spent with the marine biology family. We had barbequed food, drinks, snacks, and a great time. Thanks to all that participated and thanks to Wayne Sakisat for barbequing the food. It was delicious.

The Shape of Life

2007-09-11T00:52:00.000-07:00

The DVD, " the Shape of Life" was great, it represented what the magnificent underworld life is all about. In addition, I find it interesting to learn about sponges and how it's linkage reflects with a plant. Quite intesting! Anyhow, below are some information about this DVD.

1.) What organism is thought to be the first multi-cellular animal?

The Ancient Sponge

2.) How is it the same (3 examples) and different (3 examples) from animals today?

The similarity of todays animals is that they reproduce
The differences of todays animals is that they reinvent themselves, they do not have a heart, and they produce sex life faster not just for food.

3.) How do scientists know its an animal?

Scientists can distinguish if an animal reproduces, it has a heart, and it captures a prey for it's food.

4.) What evidence do scientists have to prove that other animals (multi-cellular) evolved from this organism?

Through the process of DNA

5.) What more do you want to know?

Good question! I would like to know about sponges and it's relation to a plant.

Lab Activity for September 08, 2007 (Mt. LauLau)

2007-09-10T23:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Angelo and Bree for allowing us the opportunity to have a great adventureous hike up Mt. LauLau. From my perspective, it was a great experience, however it was exhausting. Angelo our tour guide, shared many knowledge and facts about watershed drainage. Angelo emphasizes of the effects and causes of watershed pollution onto the ocean ground. In addition, Angelo mentions about how local land owners devastate the ocean by burning remains of debris on their land for fast clearance. Moreover, Angelo shares information about farmers using pesticides and fertilizers for plant growth, which causes damages to both land and reef grounds. On the other hand, Ms. Bree our instructor talked about some issues relating to watershed and its cause and effects. Along the hike Ms. Bree pointed out to a couple of plants, the noni and the fern.
To conclude i've gained many knowledge and experience throughout the hike. It was a great day with many of my friends. I will never forget this moment. Once again thanks to Ms. Bree and Angelo for a job well done. You both rock!

Lab Activity for September 01, 2007 (Obyan Beach)

2007-09-10T23:44:00.001-07:00

Lynette, Mary Ann, Frances, Charmaine, Marge, Justo, Francine, Victoria and Lorna

1. Parrot Fish – Bleeker’s parrotfish, Scarus bleekeri, 35 cm (W. Pacific) [page 327 – Field Guide]
2. Tataga – Bluespine unicornfish, Naso unicornis, 40 cm [page 337 – Field Guide]
3. Hangun – Orangespine unicornfish, Naso lituratus, 35 cm [page 337 – Field Guide]
4. Striped Fish W/Sharp Blade Near Tail – Sohal surgeonfish, Acanthurus sohal, 30 cm (Red Sea) [page 337 – Field Guide]
5. Tiny Gray Fish W/Black Vertical Stripes – Convict surgeonfish, Acanthurus triostegus, 25 cm [page 337 – Field Guide]
6. Butterfly Fish – Moorish idol, Zanclus cornutus, (Zanclidae) 22 cm [page 339 – Field Guide] 7. Pipefish – Banded pipefish, Corythoichthys intestinalis, 10 cm [page 267 – Field Guide]
8. Gadao – Dwarf-spotted grouper, Epinephelus merra, 18 cm [page 275 – Field Guide]
9. School of Baby Yellow/Black Striped Fish W/Big Eyes – Gold-lined sea bream, Gnathodentex aurolineatus, 25 cm [page 288 – Field Guide]
10. I’I or E’E/Tarakitu – Thicklip trevally, Carangoides orthogrammus, 40 cm [page 283 – Field Guide]

Lab Activity for August 25, 2007 (San Antonio Beach)

2007-09-10T23:32:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautiful day. We did our first ever snorkel diving at San Antonio beach. And I believe that everyone had a great time. I did. Anyhow, here is the list of species that we caught:

CB, Harley and Joann; Stenaopus Hispidus (Cleaner shrimp) id; Masahide
CB, Harley and Joann; Echinothrix Calanans (Sea Urchia) id; Harley
CB, Harley and Joann; Synapta Macusatag (Sea Cucumber) id; Harley
CB, Phillip; Neoniphon Sanmara id; Phillip
CB, Victoria, Lynette, Maryann, Frances, Charmaine, Eva, and Justo; Synapta Macusatag (Sea Cucumber); id; Victoria
CB, Phillip; Canthigaster Solandri (Solanders Sharp Nose Puffer) id; Taylor
CB, Joann and Lorna Asteronotus Cespiposus (Lumpy Asteronotus) id; Joann
CB, Lorna and Joann Holothuna (Thymiosycia) Hilla (Seacumber) id; Lorna
CB, Kathy Stichopus Chloronotus (Stichopodide) id; Kathy
CB, Xu Dan and Frances Brushtail tang zebrasomoscopus

Amelia Earhart (Dr. Thomas F. King) extra credit

2007-09-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

Inspirational will be the best words to describe Dr. Thomas F. King. Dr. Thomas F. King a leading cultural consultant for the United States Cultural Resourse Management did a great power point presentation on the "The Search for Amelia Earhart". Furthermore, Dr. King shared many of his research expedition with his group. Between July 2007 and August 2007, Dr. King and his group returned to Nikumaroro Atolls to continue on with their studies on Amelia Earhart. Dr. King's introduction from his power point presentation was interesting and understandable. Dr. King elaborated on issues and possible theories about the CNMI's connection with Amelia Earhart. However, there were no prove or evidence that link the CNMI to the connection of Amelia Earhart's disappearance.
On the other hand, Dr. King mentioned about the seven sites they studied on. Some sites were interesting and a few sites were lame. Out of the seven sites, one really caught my attenetion. This site was the pig's eperimentation. After Dr. King shared some thoughts about the pig's experimentation, the crowd laughed. I stopped and thought about it for a moment. Then, I asked myself what really happened to the pig. Anyhow, it was a great laugh.
To conclude, I have to say that I was amazed towards Dr. King's lecture. I also learned many new things about Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan. Moreover, the overall presentation was clear and very comprehensive. Dr. King and his crew did a great job and stil continue too. I give them props. And hopefully one day Dr. King will return back to the CNMI with great news that Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan's unanswered mystery is now solved.

LuNaR EcLiPsE (extra credit)

2007-09-02T23:44:00.000-07:00

The evening was beautiful as the sun started to settle down the moon was rising. It was a clear sight from my perspective. I witness the beauty of the moon as it turned red. What a beautiful sight. Anyhow, there was power outage atleast to the south of Saipan, which made a more spectacular view of the lunar eclipse. Moreover, there were shooting stars from left to right. Wow, what a view! As the moon turned redder, the beauty of the sky was very amazing and amusing. My family and I enjoyed it. Later during the hours we were watching the moon turn to it's normal color. It was interesting step by step, however, due to battery low on my camera, I could not take pictures, aw, too bad... Anyways, atleast the best thing was that my family and I had a great time. The above photo is what the lunar eclipse appeared to be like. This photo was uploaded from Marianas Variety dated on August 30, 2007, by Mark Penaranda.

"Tide"

2007-08-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Pretest for Week 1

What causes tides? Tides are caused by a pull of gravity of the moon and sun, and by the rotation of the earth, moon, and sun.

What is animal adaptation and why is important to animal survival? Animal adaptation are the phyisical features of an animal. The features may represtent fur, skin, nose, ears, eyes, etc.. Moreover, these features are important for the animals to survive.

What is symbiotic relationship? Symbiotic relationship is different species of plants or animals living together in a mutual advantageous relationship.

What is density? The weight of something for its size.

What are the main causes of currents in the oceans? Ocean currents are caused by the circulation of wind above surface waters.

What is sea floor spreading? Sea floor spreading is the process in which the ocean floor is extended when two plates move apart.

What is biological evolution? Biological evolution is a change in the traits of living organisms over generations including the emergence of new species.

How do scientist classify animals? The classificaion by scientists is usually between two groups known as the vertebrate (with backbone) and the invertebrate (without backbone).

What is scientific method and what are their steps? Scientific method is the process of experimentation that is used to answer questions and explore observations. The steps are as:
STEP 1: Name of Problem or Questions
STEP 2: Hypotheses
STEP 3: Test Hypotheses
STEP 4: Check and Results
STEP 5: Report and Record Results

What are the main zones in Marine Environment?

Tide Week 2

What is tidal range? Tidal range is the vertical distance between high and low tide.

What causes high and low tides? The high and low tide are caused by the gravitational forces between the earth and the moon.

What causes Spring and Neap tides? The cause of Spring tides occurs when the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon are in line. Usually it happens during the full moon and new moon. On the other hand, Neap tides occur when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are perpendicular to one another. The Neap tides usually occur during the quarter Moons.

How does tidal range effect the types of organisms and the shape and size of the organisms?

Tide Chart Week 2 (August 28, 2007)

"Observing Your World" Week 1

2007-08-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

Science is the process of trying to make sense of the world around us. Every culture has its own way of making sense of how the world works. Modern science follows a tradition of asking questions, forming hypothesese, testing the hypothesese through experimentation and recording observations. These observations are compared against the observations of others to see if the results are varifiable or reliable. Most of what we accept as factual in science was ascertained by this process. There are limitations to this world view and there are other ways of coming at the same information or at the very least recognizing patterns in the environment etc. without necessarily knowing why.What are your cultural ways of understanding the world? How do you do science? What conflicts have you faced or contradictions?

There are many explanations and reasons to how people observe their world. However, from my perspective and cultural background as a chamorro, I will share one interesting belief that has and is still being practiced from the good old days to modern society. The "chamorro culture" strongly believes that there are certain plant life that must not be disturb. Some are considered off limits, meaning not bothered, disturbed, or removed. For an example the "Banyan Tree" also known as "Trongkon Nunu" in chamorro, is believed to be the dwelling place of the ancient spirit called or known as the "TaoTao Mona". In english, taotao mona is called the people ahead of us or our ancestors. Moreover, the banyan tree MUST or SHOULD be respected and not disturbed, otherwise, those who disturbs the banyan tree will suffer from some form of illness or bad luck from the ancient spirits.